Instagram allows you to change your username if you wish. But there are a few things to be aware of. Here they are.
Anyone who regularly shares content on social media has a unique and easily recognizable username, this is vital. The nickname is easy to remember after viewing the content. This principle applies to Instagram. But choosing a good username when registering on the platform is not always easy. Then we may want to change along the way. The operation is not difficult, but it is worth knowing something.
What you need to know about usernames on Instagram
Your Instagram username is different from your display name. This can be your full name, company name, or any pseudonym. You can change your display name at any time, but the name that appears on your Instagram profile can only be changed twice every 14 days. On the other hand, there is no limit to the number of username changes on Instagram, but this can have consequences.
There are also restrictions on these usernames. On Instagram, they are limited to 30 characters and must only contain letters, numbers, periods, or underscores. No spaces or special characters. It is also recommended to avoid obscene expressions that may contradict the rules of the service.
Once you have made your choice, you can follow the procedure for changing your username.
How to change username (all methods)
The process is the same whether you are using the iOS or Android mobile app. Follow these steps:
- Launch the app and identify yourself.
- Click on your profile picture in the lower right corner of the screen.
- Click “Edit Profile”at the top of your profile page.
- In the Username field, enter the desired username.
- Click “Done”or the tick icon in the top right corner to complete the operation.
If you prefer to log out of the Internet through a computer or mobile device, here’s how to do it:
- Launch your browser, go to instagram.com and log in.
- Click on your profile picture in the top right or bottom right corner.
- Click “Edit Profile”at the top.
- In the Username field, enter a new name.
- Click Submit at the bottom of the screen.
If it meets the conditions, the modification should be immediate. If you have a lot of followers, Instagram may take the time to review this change before granting permission. You will be informed when the procedure is completed.
What to look for after changing your username
Once your username has been changed, you also need to change your Instagram profile link wherever you enter it. When entering a new username on the Edit Profile page, you may have noticed that you can revert to your previous username within 14 days. After this period, your old name will become available to everyone. If no one took it, you can take it back. You can also claim the old username if someone has taken it without any changes within 14 days.
Reasons that may prevent you from taking a particular username
User names are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If an inactive user has the username you’re interested in, you won’t be able to use it. You can try to contact him, but no guarantee. Instagram suggests choosing a variation of this username instead. The only exception is if the name is the name of a registered trademark owned by you.
If you are trying to change your username and the process fails, it could be for several reasons. In addition to already being owned by someone, it could be a user who has temporarily deactivated their account. Someone else might have changed their username as well, but within 14 days they can still revert to their old username. In these cases, there is nothing you can do but wait or choose a different name.
If you suspect an issue with Instagram, you can try clearing your cache or reinstalling the app to try your luck again.